Yemen/People and Projects

Sewing a living in Yemen

(29 April 2013)

Nemah makes dresses on her new sewing machine

40-year-old Nemah from Hodeida stitches two dresses a day to sell in order to support her family.

40-year-old Nemah from Hodeida stitches two dresses a day to sell in order to support her family.

She explained, “I spend all my time at home with my sewing machine working from seven in the morning until six at night. For years I have been the main breadwinner in the family as the money my husband and sons make is very little.”

But despite seven members of the family working every day, they still do not earn enough to meet all their needs.

“Our house is the only one around here that’s not made of bricks; our neighbours are better off in terms of housing, jobs, as well as other aspects.”

Nemah explained her dreams of owning a sewing shop. “I have a shop to sell my sewing products the situation will be better.”

As part of our livelihood support work in Yemen, we provided 1,000 families with a means to start up or improve their businesses. Nemah was one of the 40 women who received sewing machines and textiles to boost her tailoring work.

She explained, “One month ago I received a sewing machine fabric. It has made a big difference to many aspects of my life and my income has now doubled. I used to make one or two dresses a day, but now I am able to make three or four a day. I am now also able to make new designs to attracts more customers.”

Nemah hopes her higher income will allow her to save money to send her children to school and help them to get married.

With increased business, Nemah has been spurred on to expand her work even further. She explained, “I’m trying to buy new material for fancier dresses, which will make them more expensive and bring in more money. I hope to soon get a bigger and better house.”